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Mining Catches the World´s attention
On August 5, 2010, the San José coppergold mine suffered a massive rock failure that trapped 33 miners underground. The moment the news broke, the story went viral. Then, when people learned it might take months to get them out, they paused to reflect. In many cases, stranded miners can usually do nothing but sit and wait for help to arrive. These enterprising individuals, however, showed remarkable discipline before a world stage and demonstrated initiative when it came to survival as well as working to clear cuttings from below the boreholes, and thankfully all 33 have now been sucessfully rescued.
Do you remember when you had to explain mining every time the subject surfaced among people not directly involved in the business? Gold at $1,350/oz has a lot of people paying attention to the mining business these days. I now find myself at the nineteenth hole explaining Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) and speculative mining plays to people whose eyes glazed over when we had similar discussions at $750/oz and $900/oz. In the last 10 years, mining......... read
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Rio Tinto Moves Ahead on Two Major Projects in Western Australia
Rio Tinto is proceeding with development of the Hope Downs 4 iron ore project in the Pilbara region of Western Australia and with development of an underground block cave at its Argyle diamond mine in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. The Hope Downs 4 project is a 50:50 joint venture of Rio Tinto and Hancock Prospecting; the Argyle diamond mine is owned 100% by Rio Tinto and has been producing from an.........
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Allied Nevada Considers Hycroft Development Allied Nevada released an updated scoping study in early September 2010 of potential development of sulphide resources at its Hycroft mine in northwestern Nevada. The study envisions production of about 610,000 oz/y of gold and 27 million oz/y of silver, or approximately 1.1 million oz/y of gold equivalent. Production would be from a 100,000-mt/d milling operation and a 74,000-mt/d heap leach operation. Cost of sales is expected to average about $350/oz....... read
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Anatolia/Avoca Merger Would Create Alacer Gold
Anatolia Minerals Development and Avoca Resources entered into a "merger implementation deed" in early September 2010, proposing a combination of the two companies and renaming of the merged company as Alacer Gold Corp. The merged company would have a market capitalization of about $2 billion, with primary assets in east-central Turkey, from Anatolia, and on the Kalgoorlie-Norseman gold belt in Western Australia, from Avoca..... read
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Xstrata Bids for Sphere and its Iron Ore Projects Xstrata plc and Sphere Minerals entered into an agreement in late August 2010 whereby, upon receipt of necessary approvals, Xstrata will acquire Sphere for approximately A$428 million in cash. Sphere in an Australia-based junior company with interests in three iron ore projects in Mauritania, West Africa: the largescale Guelb el Aouj project through a 50:50 joint venture with Société Nationale Industrielle et Minière (SNIM), Mauritania’s state-owned iron ore producer..... read
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Stillwater Agrees to Acquire Marathon PGM Stillwater Mining and Marathon PGM Corp. have entered into a definitive agreement whereby Stillwater will acquire all of Marathon’s outstanding shares. Marathon’s primary asset is its PGM-copper project located near the north shore of Lake Superior about 10 km north of the town of Marathon, Ontario. Stillwater plans to develop an open-pit mine and concentrator at the project, and will produce 200,000 oz/y of platinum and palladium.....read
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Detour Lake Prepares for 2013 Startup
Detour Gold has entered into an agreement with Toromont Industries, a Caterpillar dealer in Ontario, for the life-of-mine requirement of up to 36 350-ton class Caterpillar 795F AC haulage trucks for its 100%- owned open-pit Detour Lake gold project in northeastern Ontario. The agreement calls for delivery of the first six trucks in the fourth quarter of 2011, followed by delivery of 12 trucks during the second half of 2012. The agreement also includes purchase of mine support equipment, with an initial order....read more

Copper Mountain Targeting 2011 Production Start
Copper Mountain Mining reported in late August 2010 its Copper Mountain project near Princeton, British Columbia, remains on track to reach full production by June 2011. The first of two Komatsu PC8000 hydraulic shovels was scheduled to be on site by mid-September and to be fully assembled and operational by mid- October, allowing preproduction mining activities to begin. The second half of the mining fleet, including a second PC8000, is scheduled to be on site by April 2011....read
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Goldcorp to Aquire Andean Resources Goldcorp and Andean Resources announced an agreement in early September 2010 whereby Goldcorp will acquire Andean for approximately C$3.6 billion in cash and Goldcorp shares. The transaction was approved by the boards of both companies and will be subject to, among other things, the favorable vote of 75% of the issued and outstanding Andean shares present and voting in person or represented by proxy at a meeting to consider and approve the arrangement and the affirmative vote……read
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Vale Funds Shipbuilding, Loses Paranapanema Bid Vale announced on September 10 it entered into agreements with The Export- Import Bank of China and the Bank of China Ltd. for financing to build 12 very large, 400,000-dwt ore carriers (Chinamax vessels) at the Rongsheng shipyard in China. The two Chinese financial institutions will provide a credit line of up to $1.229 billion, about 80% of the amount required to fund construction of the vessels….read more

Vista Reports Positive PFS for Mt. Todd
Vista Gold has reported positive results for a preliminary feasibility study (PFS) of its project to reactivate mining at its Mt. Todd gold property in Australia’s Northern Territory. At the same time, Vista reported an increase in the proven and probable reserves to 2 million oz at the Batman deposit on the property. The Mt. Todd project is located 230 km southeast of Darwin and 56 km by road north-northeast of the regional center of Katherine. Pegasus Gold developed and operated….read
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Cliffs Investing in Koolyanobbing Infrastructure Cliffs Natural Resources is proceeding with an A$320-million capital project at its Koolyanobbing iron ore complex in Western Australia that will allow production to increase to about 11 million mt/y. The improvements will consist of enhancements to the existing rail infrastructure, an increase in rolling stock, and upgrades to various other existing operational constraints. Cliffs anticipates the capital for the project will be spent over the next two years ….read
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Ivanhoe Targets Late-2012 Startup at Oyu Tolgoi
Ivanhoe Mines reported in early September 2010 construction at the company’s Oyu Tolgoi copper-gold complex in Mongolia is proceeding on schedule and that first ore is expected to be processed during the fourth quarter of 2012. Maintaining the current pace of construction will ensure commissioning of major production systems within about two years, when initial ore from the new open-pit is expected to be running through the primary crusher and….read
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Gold Fields Signs Option for Philippines Project
Gold Fields Ltd. has entered into option agreements with Lepanto Consolidated Mining Co. and Liberty Express Assets, a private holding company, to acquire a 60% interest in the undeveloped Far Southeast gold-copper deposit on Luzon Island in the Philippines. The agreements provide Gold Fields with an 18-month option on Far Southeast, during which time the company will conduct a major drilling program as part of a feasibility study. Gold Fields is required to pay $10 million in option.….read
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Kinross Outlines Plans for Tasiast AKinross Gold reported on September 17 it completed its acquisition of Redback Mining, initially announced on August 2, 2010 (E&MJ, Sept. 2010, p. 6). The transaction was valued at about $7.1 billion. Earlier in September, Redback announced measured and indicated gold resources at its Tasiast mine in Mauritania had increased to 9.25 million oz, up 42% (2.74 million oz) from the end of 2009. Tasiast’s inferred resource increased by 630,000 oz to 1.93 million oz ….read more

Vale and ARM Start Construction at Konkola North
Vale and African Rainbow Minerals (ARM) initiated construction of their Konkola North underground copper project on the Zambian Copperbelt in August 2010. The companies are 50:50 joint-venture owners of Konnoco Zambia, the operating company developing the project. Design throughput is 2.5 million mt/y of ore at an average mill head grade of 2.3% copper, yielding 45,000 mt/y of copper contained in concentrate to be toll smelted in Zambia……
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Boyce Calls for Global Energy Access by 2050 as a Human Right Peabody Energy Chairman and CEO Gregory H. Boyce delivered the keynote address on "The Future of Fossil Fuels" at the Global Energy Future Symposium at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, calling on the assembled international academic and governmental leaders to "put people first" by supporting policies that prioritize eliminating global energy poverty by 2050 ….read more

Record Coal Exports Through Australia’s Abbot Point Coal exports out of Abbot Point set a monthly record in August with 1,884,359 metric tons (mt) loaded in 24 ships. "This is a good indicator of what is yet to come at Abbot Point and a sign of continued growth within the industry," said Brad Fish, CEO, North Queensland Bulk Ports (NQBP). "The previous record was set in December 2009 with 1,748,883 mt loaded in 22 ships." ….read more

CONSOL Idles Utah Emery Mine and Closes Mine 84
CONSOL Energy has issued notice under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN) that it will idle its Emery mine near Price, Utah, and close its Mine 84 near Washington, Pennsylvania. Both mine are room-andpillar operations and the comapny attributed the decisions to high mining costs. "It is unfortunate that we need to take this action, since the employees at Emery mine have worked safely for more than …. read
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FEATURE - Scandinavian Mining

The Buzz Is BackOur annual update looks at the newly expanded Aitik copper operation—as well as other on-the-ground developments in iron ore, nickel and gold—and reviews the latest advances from Scandinavia’s mining and processing technology leaders

By Kyran Casteel

Although market conditions in 2009 did little to encourage investment in new mining ventures, major Scandinavian producers continued key projects. Across the Nordic landscape, 2010 has seen the opening of one new mine, the start of work on two more and the ramp up of two that began production in 2009. The improved investment climate has also seemingly encouraged a number of projects looking to confirm their feasibility……. read more

FEATURE - Pumps

Finding Energy-effective Solutions for Mine Pumping SystemsUsing sun-baked northern Chile as a focus point, the author describes a computational tool that can identify the most economical method of powering pump systems—by conventional connection to an existing electrical grid, diesel-driven generators or solar power

By Francisco Chueco

Many mining companies in northern Chile operate water wells to supply their industrial needs. The pumping systems are usually powered by overhead power lines connected to the nearest grid. In other cases, diesel-powered generator sets are used for power. Solar radiation in this region ranks among the highest in the world, and under certain conditions, photovoltaic.....read more

Design Considerations for a Tailings Disposal SystemAn effective plan not only considers the thickener, but also evaluates transport distances and the deposition site

By Steve Fiscor, Editor-in-Chief

The drivers behind paste or high density thickeners are water recovery and cost savings with impoundment construction. Tailings impoundments have become a limiting factor for mines. In some parts of the world, permitting an expansion, let alone a new impoundment, is difficult. There are serious safety and environmental repercussions brought about by high runoff. By using paste or thickened tailings, many mines find they can stack more material in …...read
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Production drilling encompasses a wide range of technologies, each of which has a critical role within the complete system. Drill rigs, rods and bits have to be selected to perform in the best possible combination for a given set of orebody-geometry conditions, with other significant factors that govern the choice of system including the rock hardness, the need for more or less fragmentation, and the technical.....read more

Wheel Loader Offers More Power, Precise Control Komatsu America Corp.’s new WA1200-6 wheel loader includes environmental, technological and ergonomic enhancements designed to improve productivity and cut operating costs. The 477,100-lb WA1200-6 is powered by a Komatsu SAADA16V160E-2 engine that delivers 1,892 gross hp at 1,800 rpm while meeting U.S. EPA Tier 2 emissions requirements; net output has been increased by 132 hp to 1,765 hp at 1,800 rpm. A new dual-mode active working hydraulic ….read
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Ethernet Adaptor for Mine ApplicationsTrolex claims its new TX2123 Ethernet adaptor makes possible the connection of almost any group I M1 RS485 MODBUS slave device onto a mine’s Ethernet backbone. According to the company, unlike many general-purpose Ethernet adaptors, the TX2123 is ATEX group I M1 certified, meaning the equipment works effectively in mining applications and continues to operate even when located…… read
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Expanded AC Motor Drive LineIn what the company says is the first of several planned extensions, Rockwell Automation has expanded the power range of its Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 755 AC drives to 700 hp (450 kW). According to Rockwell, the PowerFlex 755 AC drive’s modular design helps simplify replacement of drive components, such as cooling fans, circuit boards and major subassemblies. This modularity also allows the drive’s converter and control pod to remain in the unit while the inverter is rolled….read more

Diesel Emissions Control in an Integrated Package AirFlow Catalyst Systems has developed what it describes as an innovative diesel emissions control system called EZCat that removes CO, HC, as well as diesel particulates in one combined unit, eliminating expensive controls, requiring less space and minimizing downtime. The EZCat system includes a proprietary NO2 management system combined with a low temperature, passively .……
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Excavator Coupler Allows Quick Attachment Hookup
The JRB VersaLoc by Paladin Construction Group incorporates a concept in quick couplers designed to increase excavator productivity and safety. The JRB VersaLoc features the ability to handle multi-pin spreads as well as various pin diameters. This gives the customer the versatility to change out a large variety of attachments in seconds, without leaving the cab. The quick coupler has a pilot operated check valve to assure the cylinder….read
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Service Brake Provides Continuous PressureMico’s new 520 Series hydraulic, fixed caliper disc brake for on and off-highway service braking applications uses a modulated hydraulic pressure source, such as a master cylinder, to control brake torque. It can be mounted in a vertical or horizontal position and linings can be replaced without removing the brake. The brake includes two ductile iron caliper halves that are pressurized by a single inlet port cross-over tube feature, which allows hydraulic….read
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Actuator Line Adapts to Off-road Applications SKF’s "drop-in" electromechanical actuators for off-highway equipment applications are claimed to provide easy-to-mount solutions for integration into new or existing design envelopes. The actuators ideally can perform functions traditionally controlled either hydraulically or manually and have been engineered to promote precise and reliable movement in dozens of applications ranging from steering-wheel .….read more

Fog Nozzle Design Offers Longer Service Life
Bete Fog Nozzle’s new MaxiPass L is claimed to feature the ultimate clogresistant design with largest free passage available in a full cone nozzle. According to the company, conventional low-flow whirl nozzles use a whirl-vane element machined from bar stock and have a variety of slots or holes strategically oriented to produce a vortex. Typically, the edges of these critically.….read
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Atlas Copco - Minetruck MT42
Superior Productivity in Underground Haulage. This high-speed 42 tonne articulated truck has been designed to maximize productivity as well as provide increased safety and excellent operator comfort in underground haulage applications. The Minetruck MT42 is now available in Scandinavia and Canada and will be launched globally in 2011. The Minetruck MT42 is powered by a Cummins QSX15 520 hp EPA Tier 3/Stage IIIA engine, coupled with proven drivetrain components, delivering reliable performance and high speed on ramps...watch the video

Vista Training - A revolutionary new model of haul truck operator training
TruckLogic™ is a revolutionary new model of haul truck operator training, which integrates web-based training, simulation and on-the-job training tools. It is designed to help your mine to train your new haul truck operators faster and at a lower cost than traditional instructor-led training, while also improving safety in the mine. This unique approach to operator training is a first in the mining industry...watch the video

P&H 4100C Shovel - Heavy duty electric mining shovel.
The P&H 4100C is a heavy duty electric mining shovel that provides a 90 ton (81.7 metric ton) nominal payload capacity specifically designed to operate in mines for high production loading of 190 ton to 400 ton (172 metric ton to 363 metric ton) haul trucks and larger. Introduced in 1990 to three pass load 240 ton trucks, with over 185 units currently in operation, the P&H 4100 Series shovels are the benchmark of reliability and high productivity...watch the video

Verderflex Dura - advanced peristaltic pump design
The new Verderflex Dura, a innovative compact, long coupled peristaltic pump with close coupled advantages. The range provides flow rates up to 1700 litres per hour at pressure of up to 12 Bar. Ideal for the pumping of highly viscous, corrosive and shear sensitive product. Used in mining, water and waste, petrochemical, food and beverage industries to name a few -across the world!...watch the video